S223: Alveolar Distraction for Implant Placement

Abstract

Although alveolar distraction is a promising method for ridge augmentation in the atrophic maxilla and mandible for implant placement, horizontal alveolar distraction methods for expanding a narrow alveolar ridge have not been well established. We developed a prototype of horizontal alveolar distraction device using a titanium mesh plate. Alveo-Wider (Okada Medical Instrument Supply Co Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) is a novel horizontal alveolar distraction device consisting of a 0.3-mm-wide titanium plate and a 2 mm x 12 mm titanium distraction screw. For horizontal alveolar distraction, the transport segments were created by two vertical osteotomies that were connected with a horizontal osteotomy of the buccal plate, then the split osteotomy was made to separate the buccal from the lingual/palatal plates. The transport segment was then displaced labially creating a horizontal green stick fracture apically. The horizontal distraction device was fixated using titanium micro-screws. After 7-10 days of latency to allow for periosteal healing and early revascularization, the distraction device was activated by turning the distraction screw 0.25 mm twice a day. After a consolidation period for approximately 3 months, when the device was removed, it was confirmed that the distracted areas were completely filled with newly formed bone, and implant placement was safely performed. In this hands-on seminar, the concept and indication of this horizontal alveolar distraction is presented. Specifically, advantages of this method will be shown. Then, using an atrophic jaw model, hands-on training will be performed. This method using horizontal alveolar distraction seems to be a successful technique for widening a narrow alveolar ridge.